Sometimes things described as "progress" for mankind impact a specific man in unexpected ways. Unfortunately, many times, corporate moves that make sense on paper, and lead to an increased bottom line, cause a family to sit back on their heels. Most times it is the good people in their lives that turn the unexpected into a blessing.
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| Andrew pouring Ralph some sweet tea as good as my Grandma's! |
We met Andrew on a warm February day at the Flight Deck restaurant in Lexington, SC. It was a rare treat, as we don't often have the opportunity to share a mid-day meal on a week day, so we were in a celebratory mood. Andrew, who walked to our table and introduced himself as our server, seemed to pick up on our mood and gave us a huge smile. He did something unusual that made me take stock of this young man. He knelt down to get at eye level with us to take our drink order. He sincerely asked us how we were and took time to listen, even in the middle of a busy lunch hour. I knew he was going to be our first story.
Let me explain..... Ralph suggested months ago that we somehow combine my love for writing and his for photography in some creative way, but we were unsure how to proceed. Then, a few weeks back, I noticed how we always seem to get into deep conversations with waiters, waitresses, bartenders, flight attendants, etc., and we always learn very interesting things about very interesting people. Then it hit me - we should write about and photograph these amazing people. So, here we are, and we thank you for tuning in!
So, back to Andrew's story...
We placed our order (Ralph got spaghetti and I got country fried steak - YUM) and in between bites, we learned about Andrew. We learned that he is 31 years old, married with 3 kids, and was, until recently, a store manager for a major gaming company. He's from Pennsylvania originally, but ended up here via Charleston, where he went to College. Later there was a job, and then a girl, and viola', he was married, managing a business, and having babies.
And then, recently .....
He was "downsized" to make way for cheaper, younger talent, in an industry trying desperately to survive as more and more gaming goes online, making games for "systems" obsolete. Longtime Employee vs. Profit Margins... old story I'm afraid.
Thus, Andrew found himself out of work, but established in the Lexington, SC area with mouths to feed and bills to pay. Enter my old friend, and owner of the Flight Deck Restaurant, Ted Stambolitis.
Ted hired Andrew to help him get through the odd season of bridging a career with a job that puts money in the bank, but according to Andrew, it has been a blessing he didn't expect. He's not from here, but someone local reached out to help - someone who, in his own right, has experience in career setbacks that led him down a path he didn't expect.
So Ted reached out a hand to Andrew, and made a difference in the life of young family man who is now trying to determine his next step. For now, he is serving in a restaurant making his customers feel comfortable and cared for, in an establishment that has done the same for him.
Life throws us curve-balls, yet the demands of life make us push forward. It's the old "life gives you lemons so make lemon-aid" story. Well, Andrew's story inspired us. He is making it work. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he accepted a hand that reached out. One day, there is no doubt, he, too, will reach out a hand to someone in need, paying it forward. Blessings to you Andrew, and best of luck!
Jane and Ralph
